When it comes to home solar projects, the more homeowners can invest up front, the greater their savings. Solar projects pay for themselves through savings on monthly energy bills. Solar products that save a substantial amount of energy over a long period of time provide the greatest value for money. While some projects require a significant initial investment, there are several small-scale projects that most homeowners can afford.
Residential Photovoltaic (PV) Systems
At the top of the list of solar power projects for the home is a residential solar power system, a series of solar panels that are mounted on the roof to provide electricity to the house. Advances in solar technology are making them more affordable, and tax rebates and incentives offered by government programs offer additional savings. Many homeowners choose to lease a system from solar energy providers. The provider installs, secures, and maintains the system, and homeowners pay for the electricity the system generates, saving 10 to 15 percent on monthly electric bills.
Domestic photovoltaic systems usually pay for themselves in about ten years. After the payback period, the electricity generated by the systems is virtually free. Since home photovoltaic systems can last up to thirty years, this is a substantial saving. Professional contractors install most residential solar power systems, although do-it-yourself systems are becoming more widely available and easier to use. Since home PV systems are modular, homeowners have the option of starting small and adding more panels to the system over time.
Solar water heating systems
With a solar hot water system, flat plate collectors absorb heat from the sun and transfer that heat to a liquid. The heated liquid travels to an insulated tank where it heats water for domestic use or swimming pools. These systems can reduce hot water costs by more than 50 percent. Government incentive programs offer substantial savings on installation costs. Systems typically pay for themselves in less than five years.
solar booth kits
Several manufacturers offer battery-operated solar panel kits that allow homeowners to provide electricity to a garden shed or shed. A single solar panel collects energy from the sun and stores it in a battery. While these kits usually only generate enough electricity to power one or two light bulbs, they are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Government incentive programs make them even more affordable.
solar outdoor lighting
One of the cheapest home solar projects is an outdoor solar lighting product. They require no wiring and are easy to install. Most come with sensors that turn the lights on at dusk and off again in the morning. Some have motion detectors, adding a measure of security to the home. Solar lights are also available in a variety of decorative styles.
From a wide range of solar panels that generate all the electricity a home uses to a solar charger that in four hours produces enough power to recharge a mobile phone, tablet or MP3 player, solar products for the home help preserve the planet’s resources and offer opportunities for people to save money too.